(2) K-3 Illustrated by Garry, Sr. Meeches. "Many Americans call it a day of thanksgiving. Many of our people call it a day of mourning.”" A team of Native creators provides an illuminating look at what the Wampanoag called Keepunumuk, or "the time of harvest," highlighting that the Pilgrims' survival was largely due to the assistance offered by the ­Indigenous people who lived on the land. In the framing narrative, an elder speaks to children about their ancestors, and how Weeâchumun, the seed of corn and one of the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash), witnessed the struggles of the newcomers. Using an earth-tone palette, the impressionistic illustrations beautifully convey their settings. Front and back matter include a glossary, a recipe, and more information about Wampanoag traditions, storytelling, and ­contemporary life.

Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Pearl Law. Ah-ma (grandma) tells her granddaughters the story of Chang'e, the Spirit and Lady in the Moon, as the family gathers to give thanks and celebrate home and family. Digital illustrations utilize vibrant colors and precise line work to bring both the realistic and folktale settings to life. Back matter includes an author's note about the Mid-Autumn Festival and a mooncake recipe.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. A family celebrates the Chinese Moon Festival by sharing mooncakes, tea, and stories as they sit together, looking at the moon. Mama and Baba tell their daughter tales about the moon's inhabitants: a woman who gains eternal life, a lazy woodcutter, and Jade Rabbit. Warm, glowing watercolors match the story's contemplative and contented mood. An author's note provides background on the harvest holiday.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Photographs by Eliyahu Alpern. With her parents, a little girl in Israel sets out to find the "four species" of Sukkot for the holiday celebration. Straightforward first-person text and clear photographs encourage readers to join the family on their search for palm, willow, myrtle, and etrog. A brief explanation of Sukkot and "Fun Facts" explaining the significance of each item are appended.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Katya Krenina. "Two brothers once lived in the land of Israel." Eben is wealthy but selfish; Ezra, poor but generous. When patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob return to earth, in disguise, for Sukkot, the harvest festival, they visit the brothers and reward each one according to his welcome. The gracefully told tale is illustrated with glowing acrylics.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Yawen Ariel Pang. "He turns the fields into ribbons of Gold, / sparkling with frost as the autumn grows cold." This alphabet book celebrates the evidence of God's creations through signs and symbols of autumn. The singsongy rhyming text and bright gold, orange, and brown illustrations give a more subtle religious underpinning than many Christian-themed picture books.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Linda Bleck. Combining science and social studies, this book presents a basic explanation of seasons, then describes worldwide autumnal equinox and harvest celebrations. While the text is reductive in places, the stylized folk-art-style paintings relay an overall feel for the joyful celebrations. The oddly indented formatting makes the text look like it should be in verse. Some experiments and activities are included. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis. Folk-art-like, earth-toned illustrations accompany a lucid text, which explains the relevance of the autumn equinox and the importance of the harvest. Jackson describes various cultural celebrations and how these customs have evolved into such holidays as Halloween and Thanksgiving. An adaptation of a Native American legend and an assortment of classroom projects and recipes are included. Bib.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli